GHS signal word is a standard element of the comprehensive Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). It is used within the GHS system to communicate the level of severity associated with hazardous materials.
The goal of GHS signal words is to provide a quick warning about the severity of chemical hazards with a single glance. They are mandatory to be present on all GHS-compliant safety labels and safety data sheets. Signal words are always printed in bold font to catch the reader’s attention.
There are two GHS signal words: “Warning” and “Danger”. Each word has a specific meaning and usage depending on the severity of the hazard.
This article will provide a complete guide to GHS signal words, explaining when and how to use each.
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So, let’s dive in and look at GHS signal words.
The “Warning” GHS signal word indicates the presence of hazardous materials with a low to moderate degree of severity.
Chemical products with a “Warning” signal word require special care in handling and usage but are not likely to cause deaths, serious injury, or damage to the surroundings if misused or mishandled.
Even though the severity of a “Warning” signal is considered low to moderate, it is still essential to read and follow the precautionary measures provided with the product. Chemicals with a “Warning” signal word may cause minor or moderate health effects, such as skin irritation, eye and lung irritation, or allergies if not handled carefully.
As per the GHS purple book, “Warning” should be used for the following hazards.
The “Danger” GHS signal word is reserved to indicate highly toxic chemicals that have a high degree of severity.
Chemical material with a “Danger” signal word poses an immediate threat to human health and safety, resulting in severe health effects, such as death, serious injury, and damage to the surroundings. These chemicals require extreme caution in handling, usage, storage, and transportation.
When handling chemicals with a “Danger” signal, it is crucial to read and follow all the hazard statements and precautionary statements specified on the product label and Safety data sheet (SDS).
As per the GHS purple book, “Danger” should be used for the following hazards.
A signal word is located at the top of the GHS-compliant label, right after the product or chemical name but above the hazard statement and precautionary statement.
A signal word is printed in bold with all capital letters using large font sizes to make it easily visible and readable even from a distance. They are placed a bit away from other elements or lettering to draw maximum user attention.
Check our dedicated guide on hazard statements to learn about their meaning, importance, and how to use them.
No, a single GHS-compliant label can not have both “Warning” and “Danger” signal words. At a time, only one signal word is used on the label.
The hazard category and hazard classes should always be determined first to decide what signal word should be used on the label. This is normally accomplished by reviewing test results to see how the chemical interacts in various situations and how living beings react to its exposure.
In case multiple hazards are associated with a single product or chemical, the most potential hazard is chosen, and then the appropriate signal word is used on the label.
So, to summarize, if a product has one hazard with the “Warning” signal word and another with a “Danger” signal word, then only the “Danger” signal word should be used on the label.
GHS signal words are an important part of the hazard communication standard. They play an essential role in helping workers recognize hazardous chemicals and take precautionary measures before handling, storing, or using it.
To sum up, GHS signal words are easy-to-recognise words used to indicate the severity of a chemical hazard. There are only two signal words, “Warning” and “Danger”. Within a certain hazard class, “Danger” is used to communicate more severe hazards, while “Warning” is used to communicate less severe hazards.
Signal words are one of six label elements that should be present on the GHS-compliant label. Please refer to our guide on GHS label requirements to learn more about other elements of the GHS label.
We hope this article has helped you understand GHS signal words and how to use them correctly.
Thanks for reading!
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